December 16, 2004. Copyright 2004, Graphic News. All rights reserved

Citroen reckons high-tech driving aids will set its C4 apart

By Neil Winton

LONDON, December 16, Graphic News:  In the dim and distant past, Citroen dared to be different with cutting edge, adventurous cars like the Traction Avant and then the DS.

A lot of that energy and verve has disappeared over the years and the French company, now owned by Peugeot, has produced mainly Ňme-tooÓ products as it struggled to survive.

But the new Citroen C4, with its plethora of high technology gizmos, may reignite the companyŐs reputation as an innovator, and induce some excitement among car buyers.

To be fair, ŇgizmosÓ suggests vacuous gimmicks that seek to draw attention, but donŐt do anything useful, and thatŐs not the case with the C4. Rather, Citroen has introduced a series of high-technology ideas to set it apart from the competition, which are not only very useful but highly desirable as well. The most obvious is the translucent digital speedometer, which is sited in the centre and top of the dashboard. This produces perfectly readable digital numbers in all light, including bright sunshine, thanks to technology that adjusts to the light.

Another useful bit of kit in these speed-camera plagued times is the speed limiter. A quick flick of a couple of switches and you can make sure the car doesnŐt exceed the prevailing speed limit, or whatever number above that you guess will not trigger the dreaded cameras. You can override the limiter by flooring the accelerator.

The Lane Departure Warning System reacts if the car drifts across lanes because of driver tiredness or loss of concentration. The system sets off a vibrator-like device in the driverŐs seat when the car crosses a white line.

The C4 has laminated glass side windows, which make the interior quieter, and breaking and entering much more difficult. Other useful ideas include a steering wheel with a fixed centre, which allows more switches to be placed closer to the driver, and a bigger and better airbag. ThereŐs a plastic, folding boot partition which creates four separate compartments; cruise control, directional headlights, a built-in-air freshener with a choice of nine different scents, parking sensors, rain sensitive wipers and a tyre pressure detector.

Oh, and as maximum revs are approached the rev-counter turns red. You could probably do without that.

The C4 hatchback, which replaces the late, unlamented Xsara, drives well and has striking good looks, building on and stretching the egg-like shape of the cute little Citroen C3. ThereŐs a three-door version as well, and instead of just eliminating two doors and calling it a coupe, Citroen has actually designed a separate sporting version with a remodelled rear end.

 There are three petrol engines and three diesels, the best of which is a 2.0 litre also used in the Ford Focus. (Ford buys diesel engines from Peugeot-Citroen).

The C4 isnŐt going to join the Traction Avant or DS in the motoring hall of fame, but it has some neat new ideas which promote safety and security. Expect the likes of the Volkswagen Golf and Toyota Corolla to match these shortly.
/ENDS